Tap and coupling for barrels



May 19, 1953 G. D. FLAlTH ET AL TAP AND coUPLING FOR BARRELS 9 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 25, 1948 INVENTORS May 19, 1953 G. D. FLAITH ET AL TAP AND COUPLING FOR BARRELS 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 23. 1948 INVENTORS Geo e xad Jsgn/r May 19, 1953 G D FLAn-H ETAI.

TAP AND 'COUPLING FOR BARRELS Filed June 23. 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 19, 1953 G. D. FLAITH ET AL TAP AND COUPLING FOR BARRELS 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 23, 1948 May 19, 1953 G. D. FLAITH ETAL 2,638,914

TAP AND COUPLING FOR BARRELS Filed June 23, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 mmm NIW ISN lmmm. YN

IN George .Dona

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May 19, 1953 G, D. FLAITH ET A1.

TAP AND COUPLING FOR BRRELSl 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 23. 1948 SNN mwN

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May 19, 1953 G, D. FLAITH x-:T Al.

TAP AND COUPLING FOR BARRELS 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed June 23, 1948 May I9, 1953 G. D. FLAITH ETAL 2,538,914

TAP AND COUPLING FOR BARRELS Filed June 23, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented May 19, `1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE George Donald Fl'aith and Joseph E. Smith, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.

Application June 23, 1948, Serial No. 34,728

(Cl. ISL-212) 15 Claims. 1

The present invention rela-tes to closure-andtapping mechanisms or devices for barrels, drums and other containers for withdrawing the liquidcontents thereof (beer, for instance) while simultaneously passing a gas under pressure (compressed air or CO2) into the barrel for expelling the liquid therefrom and for keeping the liquid under pressure.

The closure-and-tapping device of the present invention comprises two main components or parts, namely, the closure mechanism which, in its entirety, we hereinafter call the "bung (for brevity), and the tapping mechanism which may also be designated as the bung-operator or as the bung-operating connector-the bung and the bung-.operator being each so related and constructed that they are mutually interdependentneither being able to perform all its functions (for which it is intended and constructed) without the cooperation of and mechanical interaction with the other.

An object of the present invention is to provide new and improved closure-and-tapping mechanism for barrels, drums and other containers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide novel closure-and-tapping mechanism for barrels and the like which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and which is sturdy and dependable in operation. Other objects and advantages of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.

Generally speaking, the present invention contemplates novel lclosure-and-tapping mechanism if;

for barrels and the like includingr a quick-attachable and -detachable bungcperator or bung-operator connector having a beer (or other liquid) outlet connection and having a compressed air (or other gas) inlet connection and including a bung comprising an apertured bung-body constructed and arranged to be aiiixed (either permanently or removably) within the bung-'hole of the barrel or the like, and an apertured valvingmember mounted within said valve-chamber and constructed and arranged to be moved axially to and fro relative thereto. The valve-chamber is provided with a pair of axially-spaced annular valve-seats while the valving-member is provided with valve-sealing means constructed and arranged to be brought into and out of contact with the valve-seats upon movement of the valvingmember. The valve-chamber is provided with an air-inlet passageway near its upper end and a beer outlet passageway communicating with the 2, apertured valving-member-movemen-t of the valving-member in one axial direction serving to close off both the air-inlet passageway and the beer outlet passageway, while movement of the valving-member in the opposite direction serves to open said passageways while keeping them separated from each other. The air-inlet passageway extends outside or peripherally of the Valving-member` while the beer outlet passageway communicates with and :forms an extension of the apertured valving-member so that the incoming air passes from the bung-operating connector downward and outside of the valvingmember while the outgoing beer passes upward centrally through the valving-inember to the bung-operating connector.

According to a preferred embodiment, to be described more fully hereinbelow, the two valveseats are opposed to each other with the aper tured valving-member movable so as to bring the valve-sealing means alternately into contact with one or the other of said valve-seats, both the airinlet passageway and the beer outlet passageway being open for connection with the bun-goperator but being separated from each other when the valve-sealing means is compressed against one of the valve-seats. When the valvesealing means is compressed against the other valve-seat, both ythe air-inlet passageway and the beer outlet passageway are closed on*- from the bung-operating connector and are brought into communication with each other.

The bung-operator or bungmperating connector includes an outer housing and an inner stern each forming a huid-passageway in non-com municating relation to each other (axially movable in relation to each other), the cuter member being in the nature of a gland and having a resilient sealing ring at its open end, adapted to be sealingly pressed against an outer surface of the bung housing (by 'said gland) thereby to form a seal between said gland and the outer open end or mouth of the valve-chamber in said bung, thus completing the fluid-passageway from said gland through the mouth of said valve-chamber (this huid-passageway being completed by one or more openings extending through the side Wall of said valve-chamber into the interior 0f the barrel at a point inwardly of the outermost valve-seat in said valve-chamber but outwardly of the innermost valve-seat in said valve-chamber).

The gland has a valved inlet adapted to receive a hose at its Outer end, whereby communication is established between the hose and the interior of the gland and hence with the interior of the valve when the mechanism of said bung is set in its open position.

The stem is arranged so that its turning, in one direction, will cause the unseating of the valving-member in the bung, when the stem is turned in one direction, and will cause the seating of said valving-mem'ber when ,turned in the other direction (while the bung-operating connector or bung-operator is attached to the bung) The bung-operator may be attached to the bung by rotary-interlocking connection between the stem and the valving-member or by a rotaryinterlocking connection between the gland and the bung-body. The pressing of the gland-seal against the bung-body, into sealing relation be-` tween the two, may be accomplished by producing an axial movement of the gland in relation to the stem by screw threads therebetween operated v by the relative movement of one in relation to the other after one or the other has been relatively interlocked with the bung body or with the valving-member (as the case may be). or by springurged or by spring-impelled axial movement between stem and gland by means of a helical (compression or tension) spring or by a spring-drum or a spring-dish gland, per se.

. In several embodiments of the present invention a single sealing member or sealing ring is used for alternately seating against one of the two. valve-seats, one above and one below the transverse uid passageway extending from beneath the mouth of the valve-chamber through the side wall thereof into the interior of the valve, the sealing member being seated against the upper of said valve-seats nearest the mouth of the valve-chamber by a ring-engaging shoulder near the upper end of the valving-member, and being seated against the lower of said Valve-seats by a ring-engagingr shoulder near the lower end of the stem of the bung-operator, whereby said valving-member and sealing ring entirely close the mouth lof the valve-chamber when the valving-member is n one position and whereby the sealing ring and the ring-engaging shoulder at the lower end of the stem serve to establish a uuid-tight seal between the hollow stem and the interior of the valve-chamber when the stem and valving-member are in operative relation to each other with the valving-member in unseated position.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the accompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferred, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and organizations of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters indicate like parts throughout:

Figure 1 represents a ver-tical cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the present invention connected within the bung-opening of a barrel or the like, with the valve in closed position.

Figure 2 represents a vertical cross-sectional view generally like that of Figure l but showing the valve in open position.

Figure 3 represents a vertical cross-sectional view showing the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 but with the bung-operating connector shown detached from the bung.

Figure 4 represents an elevational view looking 4 generally in the direction of the arrows 4--4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 represents a vertical cross-sectional view generally like that of Figure 1 but showing another embodiment of the present invention with the valve in closed position.

Figure 6 represents a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 5 with the valve in open position. f

Figure 7 represents a vertical cross-sectional View generally like that of Figure 6' but showing a'somewhat modied form of construction.

Figure 8 represents a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view generally like those of Figures 2 and 6 but showing still another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 represents a vertical cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the bung of Figure 8 when its valve is in closed position and when the coupling member is detached.

Figure 10 represents a vertical cross-sectional View generally like those of Figures 2 and 6, of 2.. further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 represents a vertical cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the bung of Figure 10 with the valve in closed position and with the bung-operating connector detached.

Figure 12 represents a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the present invention with the valve shown in closed position.

, Figure 13 represents a vertical cross-sectional View of the embodiment of Figure 12 with the valve shown in open position.

Figure 14 represents a vertical cross-sectional View of still another embodiment of the present invention with the valve shown in closedposition.

Figure 15 represents a View generally like that of Fig. 14 but showing the valve in open position.

Figure 16 represents a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view showing a modified form of valve construction.

Figure 17 represents a View like that of Figure 16 but with the valve shown in open position.

Figure 18 represents a View generally like that of Figure 16 but showing still another form of Valve construction.

Figure 19 represents a view like that of Figure 18 but showing the valve in open position.

Figure 20 represents a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view showing a modied form of the embodiment of Figure l2.

Figure 21 represents a view generally like that of Figure 20 but showing the valve in open position.

Figure 22 represents a cross-sectional view generally like that of Figure 5 but showing still another embodiment of the present invention, with the valve in closed position.

Figure 23 shows the embodiment of Figure 22 in open position.

Figure 24 represents a vertical cross-sectional View like that of Figure 22 but showing still a further modification of the present invention.

Figure 25 represents a view of the embodiment of Figure 24 in open position.

Referring first to the embodiment of Figures 1-4, the novel closure-and-tapping mechanism of the present invention may include a bung indicated generally by the reference character 30 and a bung-operating connector indicated generally by the reference character 3 I.

As indicated particularly in Figure 3, the bung 30 includes an integrally formed body 32 having an apertured downwardly protruding portion 33 @esame 5 and a generally discshaped flange 34' which is externally threaded as atr 35 for detachable connection within the bung-opening of a barrel. ordrum 36. V

An: annular shoulder'l is provided at the upper edge of the ange 34 so as to com-prees: a. gasket 3% mounted. in the.` bung-opening, there"- byto provide: a; iluid-tightseal.

A riser-pipe or leg; 38 isv threadedly connected to the stem 33 as at 4B and extends downwardly therefrom to adjacent, the bottom of the' barrel 36 in conventional manner (.notshown) The body 32 is provided with an annular valve-seat 4l (recessed slightly from: its upper edge) in which is mounted a sealinggasket 42... The sealing gasket7 42 is preferably formed as ay continuous' ring of resilient material, of the type commonly known` as an O ring, which is nornelly circular in, crossFsecti'on, as indicated Figure 2, but which is dietortect under axial pressure so as to spread radiallyy in the manner indicated in .Figure 1,. thereby' to' provide a -Enidt'rgh't peripheral seal in a man-ner well. known4 in; the art.

A plurality of. air-openings 4-3 extends downward from below the Valve-seat 1f lto the underside of the ilangei 341.

The: central aperture or chamber of the body 32 is threaded as at; 44* for a short distance down. from the valvefseat 4t and is provided with a smooth-bore cylindrical portion` 4.1iv extending downward from the threaded: portion 44' and coaxial therewith.

A valve-seat 56 is provided adjacent the lower end of the cylindrical bore 45;v the valve seat AS being of the self-aligning typehaving a central upwardly-protruding button or head and' having a plurality of peripheral notches. which, as will he described hereinbelow, permit flow of beer or other liuid upward throughthe bung 36..

An O-ring 49 is fitted about' the. button` 4I to provide an annular seal for the valve seatl 4:6 in. a. manner tov be described hiereinbelow.

The bung 3l is provided with a plurality of c'n'cumferentially-spaced downwardly-extending openings or sockets 55 ilitoA which can be itted the correspondingly placed' prongs of a Spanner wrenchA or other appropriate tool (not shown) to permit` the bung 30- to be rotated for attachment to or detachment from the bung-opening.

An integrally formed rotatable valve-memberv 5U is mounted withiny the central aperture of the bushing-member 38; the valve-member being externally' threaded as at 5l for engagement with the threaded,E portion 44' and having an Y.

uppermost generally' cylindricalsliou-lder 52'; which isv beveled as at 53 so as to provide avalve which. compresses the -ring 42f when the valve-member u is screwed in as far as it will go, thereby to provide a fluida-ight seal with the` valve-seat 4I in the manner shown in Figures l and. 3., so as tol close oil the air-openings 43 and to vprovide anA "on-oil air-valve asv will be cle-1 scribe di hereinbel'ow.

The valve-member M is centrally apertured and is provided with a generally cylindrical upper bore 55 and a smaller-diameter co-axial lower bore 5E.

As indicated particularly in Figures 31 and 4, the upper bore 55 is provided with bayonet-slots 51 whose function will be hereinafter described.

The lower end of the valve member 59 is formed. as a cylindrical surface lwh-icl'r fits slidzlzbly within the cylindrical bore 45 of the body 32, The surface 5U is provided with an an- Gil' 6,. nular groove 59 which carries an. Gir-ring. 60 pro.-` vidnga. fluid-tightI seal between the surface 58` and the bore 45.

The lowermost end of the valve-member isY beveled as at 6|, so as: toy providea beer valve, which compresses the Oe-ring 419 when the valvemember 50 is in lowermost position asA shown in Figures I and. 3', therebyl toclose oit the' open ings 48 in the valve: seat 416,. and'. which is: raised, to valve-opening. position when the valve-membei' 5U is unscx'ewed' tov the position shown in Figure 2',

As indicated particularly in Figures 1 and 3, the button il extends within the beveled end SII when the valve-member 5D is in loWermost/posftion so that the valve seat 46 is automatically centered and aligned. relative thereto.

The bung 3U' is installed in the barrel' 36 by the brewer (with the valve-member in the closed position shown inA Figures 3v and 4) and can` be removed from the bung-opening after the empty' barrel isreturned, iin order to permit cleaning and refilling of' the barrel $5.

The bung-operating connector 3| includes an integrally-formed pressure-gland or housing 62 which is general-ly cup-shaped with an open chamber 63 formed in its lower portion and with an axial open-ing 512' extending upwardly from said:v chamber 63 to the top of the pressuregland 52.

The upper portion of the opening 34 is thread'- as at while the lower portion is formed with a smaller diameter smooth cylindrical bore 66.

The lower edge 51 ci the pressure-gland 6-2 is provided with an internal annular groove 682 in which is mounted a compressible sealing gasket 69.

A check-valve T of generally conventional construction is detachablyconnected. to the pressure-gland 62 so that it communicates, at. its inner end, with the chamber 63- and can bev detachablyconnected, at its outer end, to a hose or conduit (not shown) leading to any source of y compressed air (as for example, an airv com-- presser or pump, or a tank or reservoir of compressed air).

The bung-operating connector 3l also includes operating member H having an elongated stem TZ and an uppermost handle ld.

The stem 12 is provided: with an axial passageway M and is externally threaded at its upper end as at 'I5- for adjustable connection to the threads of the pressure-gland- EE'. The threads 'F5-55 are somewhat coarser (that is, greater in pitch )than the threads MMM, for reasons to be described hereinbelow.

The stem 'l2 is provided with an intermediate cylindrical portion TS extending downward from the threaded portion 'l5 and slightly smaller in diam-eter. The stem '52' is also provided with a lower cylindrical portion H whichv has a still smaller diameter' and' which is provided, at its lowermost end, with a pair of opposed bayonet lugs F8 which are constructed and arranged to engage the bayonet slots' 51 ofthe valve member 50.

lin- O`-ring lS is mounted within an annular groove formed' at the upper end of the lower i cylindrical portion H and having a protruding shouider tif-fr. Another O-ring 3! is mounted within an annular groove 82 formed generally at the center of the cylindrical portion T6; the @-ring El being constructed and arranged to provide a fluid-tight seal intermediate the cylindrical portion 'I6 of the stem 12 and the cylindrical bore 66 of the pressure-gland 02 while permitting sliding movement of the stem 12 during screwing and unscrewing rotation of the handle I3.

An apertured screw-threaded plug 03 is mounted in the top of the handle I3 in communication with the passageway I4 to permit detachabl-e connection of a hose or conduit (not shown) leading to any conventional dispensing tap or other valve for controlling the flow of beer or other fluid.

When the full barrel 36 is received by the retailer (with the bung installed and in closed position, as described hereinabove and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the bung-operating connector 3| is attached thereto in the following manner:

The operating member Il is rst turned relative to the pressure-gland 62 so that the ,handle 13 is generally in the position shown in Figure 1 (wherein it is more or less adjacent the top edge of the pressure-gland). The stem 'i2 is then positioned above the bore 55 of the valve-member 50 so that the bayonet lugs 'V3 are in alignment with the bayonet slots 51, as indicated particularly in Figure 3.

The lower cylindrical portion "Vi of the stem 12 is then lowered into the bore 55 as far as it will go whereupon the entire bung-operating connector 3| is turned somewhat (preferably by rotating the pressure-gland 02) to lock the bayonet lugs T8 within the lowermost circumferentially extending portions lil-a of the bayonet slots 51, in the manner indicated generally in Figure 1.

In this position the O-ring 19 is compressed between the shoulder -a and the top of the valve-member 50 so as to provide a fluid-tight seal intermediate the stem 'i2 and the valve-member 50.

The pressure-gland 62 is rotated manually so as somewhat to compress the sealing-gasket 60 intermediate the shoulder ils-a and the top of the bung 30 While maintaining a slight clearance intermediate the lower edge 61 of the pressuregland 52 and the top surface of the bung 30. In this way, the initial fluid-tight seal and the interlocking of the bayonet-joint elements is effected while sucient clearance is maintained to allow for movement of the pressure-gland $2 during opening of the gland, as will be hereinafter described.

As also indicated in Figure 1, the valve-member 50 remains in closed position-both the air valve 53 and the beer valve 0| remaining in lowermost position closing off the air openings 43 and the beer openings 48 respectively. y

. With the stem l2 thus locked to the valvemember G, the handle-13 is then turned relative to the pressure-gland 62. This rotates the stern 12 so as to rotate the valve-member 50 and to raise it to the open position shown in Figure 2 so as to open both the air valve and the beer valve.

Since,-as described above, the threads 'l5-65 are somewhat greater in pitch than the threads 5|-44, the axial movement of the stem 72 relative to the pressure-gland 62 will be somewhat greater than the axial movement of the valvemember 50 so that during this rotation of the handle 73, the pressure-gland 62 will be moved so as to bring its lower edge 61 into abutment with the top of the bung 30; the sealing gasket 69 being compressed so as to provide a huid-tight seal between the pressure-gland 62 and the top of the bung 30.

Compressed air is then introduced into the chamber 63 through the check-valve l0 and passes downward past the open air valve 53 and through the air openings 43 so as to build up a` pressure within the upper endv` of the barrel- 36. This pressure will force the beer up through the riser pipe 30, in a manner well known in the art, and through the openings 48 in the valve seat 46, past the open beer valve 6| and through the bore 50 and the passageway 74 and out through the apertured plug 83 and the delivery line (not shown) to the dispensing tap.

It is obvious that the beer is thus maintained under pressure whereupon it will be delivered whenever the dispensing tap is opened.

After the barrel has been emptied, the handle 'I3 is oppositely rotated so as to close the valvemember 50 and to raise the pressure-gland-EZ, as indicated in Figure 1, after which the entire bung-operating connector 3| is rotated to uncouple the stem 12 from the valve-member, whereupon the empty barrel is ready to beshipped back to the brewer.

From the foregoing it is obvious that the novel construction of the present invention provides a firm and positive connection for the bung-operating connector and permits simultaneous opening and closing of both the air valve and the beer valve, as desired.

The structure is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and is strong and durable, providingadequate seals, with minimum wear, at the several xed and moving connections.

It is apparent that the structure described above provides separate and independent passageways for the air (or other compressed gas) and the beer (or other liquid); the air passageway extending peripherally and outside of the valve-member through the body of the bung and the beer passageway extending more or less centrally through the apertured valve-member.

In Figures 5 and 6 there is shown anotherV embodiment of the present invention employing a somewhat different valve mechanism than that described hereinabove.

Thus, the bung |00 is integrally formed with an external threaded neck |0| for detachable connection within the bung-opening and is provided with a beveled shoulder |02 which cornpressed an O-ring |03 fitted within the bungopening so as to provide a fluid-tight seal.

The bung also includes a generally hollow downwardly protruding portion |04 which has a reduced internally-threaded neck 05 at its lower end for connection to the upper end of a riser pipe |06 which extends downwardly within the barrel in a, manner described hereinabove.

An opening |07 is provided in the top ofthe ybung |00 in communication with the apertured portion |04--the top opening |01 being somewhat smaller in diameter than the inner bore of the portion |04 and being spaced therefrom by an annular radially-extending shoulder |08.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced air openings |09 extend generally horizontally through the portion |04 adjacent the upper end thereof and provide communication between the inner bore of said portion |04 and the inside of the barrel.

A thin nat metal ring or washer H0 is horizontally mounted within the portion |04 and proxides an inwardly protruding annular stop-shoul- A rotatable valve-member is mounted within the portion |04. The valve-member includes an externally threaded lowermost portion 2 fitting within the screw-threaded neck |05 and having an axially extending inner bore assenti '|13 open at 'the botto-m but uclosed `at the top by ya generally vcircular' wall "I-|-"4. A plurality of ciroumferentially spaced radially extending `openings H5 are formed in the valve-member l||=| just Vbelow the wall id and provide lcom-:riunication between the inner bore H3 and the `inside of the portion 'l lli.

An outwardlymrotruding radial shoulder Hl is provided on the outside of the valvedm'ember 11| tust above the circular Wal-l "|111 fand a socket portion having bayonet slots Hi8 is provided at the top of the valve-member |l'|.

An -ring |'9 is mounted within the portion |04 below `the radial shoulder HI8 out abo-ve the shoulder lltthe `O-ri-ng being pressed between i said shoulders when the Yvalve-member is -i-n the uppermost position shown in Fig-ure 5 Aso 4as to provide a fluid-tight lseal therebetween above the 'level of the openings yIt and the openings It is Aapparent that, in addition 'to providing an 'annular seal 'for the valve-member lll, Athe O-ring |19 lserves to limit the upward movement of 'said valve-member within the bung WB.

The bung-operating connector l2t includes 'a pressure-gland SZ-a Ygeneral-ly like-the pressuregland 62 described 'hereinabove except that its cylindrical bore Sii-a is somewhat larger in -diameter than the threaded portion E5 '(instea'd of being smaller 'as in the `embodinient ol Fig-ure ll The 'bung-operating vconnector 4|20 is provided 5 Vwith an elongated operating member 12| having an axial inner bore |22 extending therethrough.

'The operating member 12| is `externally threaded as at HIS for 'adjustable connection with the threaded portion E5 of the prossure gland 62-a.

Below the threaded portion |23, the operating member V25( is provided with a smooth cylindrical outer surface |'2iS adapted for sliding 'movement within 'the bore t-a-t'he surface |24 being .provided with an annular groove 25 vin which is mounted an 4O-ring; il@ which lprovides a-iluidtight seal.

An outwardly protruding annular shoulder 12:1 is provided adjacent the lower end of the Vsurface '|24 so as to limit the upward movement `oi the operating member relative to the pressure'- gland -a.

A plural-ity or" ohcuinferentially spaced 'radially extending openings |28 are provided in the operating member i2| somewhat below vthe shoulder |2l. l

A pair of cliametrieally spaced bayonet lugs |29 are provided at `the lowermost `end Yof the operating member 32| and are constructed and arranged for detachable connection with 'the bayonet slots H8 of the valve member |11.

The uppermost end of the operating member |21 is formed as a reduced-diameter noch 13b to which an operating handle 13|` can be welded as at |32 or otherwise permanently fastened (after the operating member has been 'installed within the pressure-gland EZ-u by screwing 'it upward from the lower end thereof) A threaded apertured plug '83' like -that described hereinabove is fastened at the uppermost end of the operating member 12| Vto provide a detachable connection with a beer-delivery hose or conduit.

In connecting the bung-operating .connector 52B to the bung fell, the operating member |2'l is first rotated to its uppermost position as shown in "Figure 5, after which the bayonet lugs v|29 are inserted within the bayonet 4slots :H8 where Vupon the entire bung is rotated so as to lock the l0 'lugs within 'the slots in "a man-ner similar to that described hereinabove in Aconnection with the iern-- bo'dment of Figure l.

The operating 'handle -l3l is then turned to move the opera-ting nremlr i-Zl `inward with respect to the vxpressure-gland t2-a. This valso 'causes rota-tion vrof v` the valve-member *111| from the uppermost position shown in Figure =5 to the position show-n in Figure 6.

As the xlower end for the operating member 12| moves 'with'inth'e hol-low portion lill through top opening lill', the lower `edge i'l-a ofthe `outwardly protruding annular shoulder v125| strike-s the -0-ring 'lie iand moves it `downward 'from the uppermost position shown in `Figure 5 to the position shown in Figure 6 wherein 'it vconta-cts the washer He and, being compressed, provides an annular fluidHtight seal, somewhat below openings llili; and above the openings T28. l

in this embodiment, the threads lf2 are somewhat Lcoarser than the threads 4'23 so that, as the valve-member ill 4moves inward, it carries the entire bung-operating connector T with it from the position shown in Figure 5 to that 'shown in Figure '6 wherein the sealing gasket 'or -'ring S9 isV eornLp-ressod so as to provide 'a `iluid--tight seal. Y

it is apparent that, with vthe valve-member l H in the position shown in Figure It, lcoI-nprossed air can pass from the check-valve lo downward through the radial clearance intermediate appreoiably smaller in diameter) into the `upper end of the hollow portion m4 through ithe airopenings lo@ 'and into the top Yof the barrel 35.

at ythe saine time, the beer, vunder the vpres-- sure 'el the air, is 'forced upward through the riser pipe {lo to the bore Ill-"3, 'through theradlial openings Hf into the lower part 'of the hollow lportion Hill, through the vopenings -I2'8, the inner bore L|22 and the hollow plug 83 to the beer delivery hose or conduit. Thus, it is apparent that, with the valve member l Il 4in the open position shown in "Figure 6, the 0-r-ing H9 serves -to provide a nuid-tight seal between the beer-carrying lower part of the hollow portion Hill and the lair-'carrying upper part thereof.

When the barrel 36 is emptied, Athe operating handle 1|3| is oppositeliy" rotated ito the position shown 'in lFigure 15, the upper movement of valve-member ll I causes 4its shoulder lli'tozmove the -O-rifng il I9 back Sto lifts original position where it closes :on both the air-openings lilo and the beer 'openings l l5.`

Thereafter, rotation of the entire =bung-operat ing connector 121i will ldisengage the bayonet lugs |29 from the bayonet lslots |18 'to 4permit removal of the bung-operating connector i128..

lThe empty barrel is then returned tothe brewer who removes the :bung Imate clean and refill the barrel and, thereafter, reinserts lthelbung the valve in the closed position of 15 yso .that it .is ready to be shipped bank .to the :retailer who can then vconnect the Ibung-1z perating oon-- .nectar in the .manner described hereinabove.

From the foregoing description, it is apparent that, in .this embodiment, :separate and inadepend'ent air y(or `other vrcompressed gas.) :and beer (or other liquid) fpassageways lare again provided through vthe bushing when the valve member is `-in zopen positionnthe air passageway extending outside `and peripherally 'of the valves member `and the teer-passageway exten-ding more or less centrally through the apertured 'valve'h ll member. The O-ring ||9 serves to separate the two passageways when in its lowermost compressed position as shown in Figure 6. Thus, in the position shown in Figure 6, the O-ring H9 is compressed into fluid-tight sealing relationship intermediate the inner bore |04 and the louter periphery of the operating member |2| at alevel below the air openings |09 and above the openings |28 in the operating member |2|. On the -other hand, when the O-ring ||9 is in its uppermost compressed valve-closing position shown in Figure 5, it is compressed into uidtight sealing relationship with the inner bore |04 and the outer periphery of the upper end vof the valve-member at a level below that of the openings |28 but above the level of the air openings |09 and the openings ||5 in the valve-member As is apparent in Figure 5,

4the openings |09 and ||5 are in communication same relationship as in Figure 6), except that, f

in place of the bayonet-connection IIS-|29, a screw-threaded connection |33 is provided for the socket-portion I l'l-a and the operating member |2|-a.

As can be seen in Figure '1, the screw threads |33 have a smaller pitch than the threads ||2 on the valve-member Thus, the screwthreaded connection |33 cannot accidentally be opened before the operating member |2| is rotated to the uppermost position (corresponding t that of Figure 5) so as to close the valvemember That is, the differences in pitch will cause the screw threads |33 to bind if they begin to rotate before the threads ||2. Except as described hereinabove, the construction and operation of the embodiment of Figure 7 are the same as described in connection with the modification of Figures and 6.

In Figures 8 and 9 there is shown still another embodiment of the present invention which includes a bung-operating connector 3| like that described hereinabove in connection with the embodiment of Figure 1 and a bung |34 which is more nearly like the bung |00 of Figure 5 but which differs therefrom in several respects, as will be discussed hereinbelow.

Thus, the bung |34 includes a generally 2-piece housing made up of a downwardly-protruding generally cup-shaped portion |35 which is -screwthreadedly connected at its upper end, as at |36, to the reduced-diameter neck-portion |31 of a cover member |38. The cover member |36 is provided with external screw threads |39 for attachment to the bung-opening and is provided with a beveled annular shoulder |40 which compresses an O-ring |4| fitted within the bung-opening so as to provide a fluid-tight seal.

The downwardly protruding portion |35 is pro.--

vided with an inner chamber |42 open at its upper end and communicating, at its lower end, with a relatively coarse-pitch threaded opening |43 which in turn communicates with a smaller co-axial opening into which the upper end of a riser pipe |44 is screw-threadedly connected as atl45.

CTI

The cover member |38 is provided with a cylindrical inner bore |46 extending upward from the lower edge of the neck portion |31 and communicating with a smaller diameter opening |41 formed in the top of the cover member |38.

A plurality of air openings |48 extend from adjacent the upper end of the inner bore |46 downwardly and outwardly so as to communicate with the upper end of the barrel.

An O-ring |49 is mounted at the upper end of the inner bore |46.

A rotatable integrally formed valve member is mounted within the bung |34 and is provided with external threads |5| at its lower end for adjustable engagement with the threads |43.

The valve member |50 includes a lower axially extending bore |52 and an upper bore |53 generally co-axial with the bore |52 but separated therefrom by a transversely extending partition |54 having an outwardly protruding annular shoulder |55 upon which is mounted an O-ring |56 which is adapted to provide a fluid-tight seal intermediate said shoulder |55 and a beveled valve seat |51 formed at the lower end of the inner bore |46 of the cover member |38.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending openings |50 extend through the valve member |50 directly below the partition |54 and provide communication intermediate the upper end of the lower bore |52 and the inner chamber |42 of the downwardly protruding portion |35.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending openings |59 are formed in the valve member |50 directly above the partition |54. The openings |59 extend from the lower end of the upper bore |53 and communicate with the chamber |42 when the valve member |50 is in the lowermost position shown in Figure 8. When, however, the valve member |50 is in the uppermost position, as shown in Figure 9, the outer ends of the openings |59 terminate within the inner bore |46 of the cover member |38 and are sealed oil from below by the O-ring |56 and from above by an O-ring |60 mounted within an annular groove |6| formed somewhat below the upper edge of Vthe valve member |50 and providing a duid-tight The upper bore |53 which is somewhat smaller in diameter than the top opening |41 (which in turn is smaller than the inner bore |46) is provided with bayonet slots |62 constructed and arranged for detachable connection with the bayonet lugs 18 described hereinabove. When the valve member |50 is in its uppermost position, as shown in Figure 9, it can be seen that the upper end of the riser pipe |44 is closed off by the O-ring |56 (which is compressed between the shoulder |55 and the beveled valve seat 51). At the same time, the air openings |48 are closed off by the O-rings |49 and |60 while the beer openings |59 are closed off by the O-rings |60 and |56.

When the bung-operating connector' 3| is connected and rotated in the manner described hereinabove in connection with the embodiment of Figure 1, the valve member |50 is moved downward from the uppermost position shown in Figure 9 to the position shown in Figure 8 thereby unseating the O-ring |56 and moving the top edge of the valve member below the upper and inner ends of air openings |48.

This permits flow of compressed air downward through the annular clearance between the top vopening |41and the stem 12, into the upper end *the barrel.

.acercara Anf lthe bore |46, through the air openings |48 so as to build :up a pressure within .the top of This pressure forces the .beer up through the Lriser pipe |44, the lower bore :|52 andthe .openings |158 into the chamber |42 from which it flows through the openings |59 and the upper bore |53 into the passageway 14 extend- .ing through the stem 12 of the operating member 1| of the coupling member 3|.

Opposite rotation of .the operating member will move the valve member |59 to the closed position 4of Figure 9 after which .the bayonet lugs are disengaged from the bayonet slots to permit .the empty barrel to be sent back for cleaning and refilling.

The construction of Figures 8 and 9 is more or less tamper-proof withr-espect to the valve member. That is, the valve member is held in place by the inwardly protruding annular flange -formed by the reduced-diameter top opening |41 to pre- Y' vent removal of the valve member (as distinguished from the embodiment of Fig-ure l wherein there is no positive lock for the valve member so that it could be unsere-wed from the bung by unauthorized persons) This positive lock is made possible, of course, `by the 4fact that the bung is constructed in two parts (namely Ithe downwardly protruding portion and the cover `member |38) .in place of the one-piece bung 30, which permits installation of the valve-member from the lower end of the -bore |46 (instead of from the topoi the bung as is necessary in the one-piece construction of Figure l, for example).

In Figures l-O and 1l there is shown still another embodiment of the present invention which vincludes a bung |83 and a bung-operating connector |54..

The bung includes an integrally formed body or housing |85 having la-n upper socket |88 provided with bayonet slots |51.

The body |85 is externally threaded as at |88 for connection within the bung opening of the lbarrel and is also provided with an annular outwardly protruding .shoulder |69 4which is beveled L;

and adapted to 'compress` an O-ring 1-0 itted within the bung-opening so as to provide a `luidtight seal.

The body also includes a downwardly protruding portion |1| which is provided with a -generally cylindrical inner bore |12 and a reduced diameter externally threaded neel: |13 at its lower end--the neck |13 being provided with an axial opening |14 communicating with the inner bore |12 and providing a passageway between said bore |12 and the upper end of the riser pipe |08.

A reduced diameter opening |15 is provided intermediate the upper end of the bore |12 and the socket HiB- an inwardly protruding annular shoulder |16 being formed therebelow to act as an upper stop for an O-ring |11 slideably mounted within the upper portion of the bore l2.

An annular Washer |18 of metal or the like is mounted within the bore |12 somewhat below `the upper end thereof and provides an inwardly protruding .bottom stop for the O-ring |11.

A plurality vof circumferentially-spaced radially-extending air openings |19 are formed adjacent the upper end of the downwardly protruding portion 11|. The air opening-s |`||l provide communication between the upper .end of the bore |12 (above the lowermost position of the O-ring |11, as indicated .in Figure l0 vbut below the uppermost position of said O-ring |11, as

Ll U

'14 indicated :in Figure il) and the uppermost .portion of the barrel.

A valve-member of metal or the like is mounted within the ydowrmr-ardly protruding portion |1| of the bung 163. The valve-.member .|80 is generally cup-,shaped `.with a :downwardlyopening recess 18| into which is iitte-d the upper end of .a coiled spring |82., the lower or which is .seated within an annular .groove |83 formed at the upper .end of the opening |141.

The lowermost end .of the valve-member |80 may be .formed .as a .scalloped `.or slotted .skirt |84 which protrudes :outward somewhat to provide an .zannularshonlder |85 which bears against the O-ring |11' when the valve-member is in `uppermost position :as Lshown in Figure ll, so as to compressfit against the annular lshoulder |18 and to provide .ariiuid-tight seal intermediate the `valve-rnernber .and the bore H2 (above .the level of the air openings |9).

The upper end vor the valve-member hw is termed as a reduced-diameter generally cylindrical head .|88 having an annular shoulder Mii ext-ending therearound.

The bung-operating connector |514 includes a main body member or housing |88 having bayonet lugs |89 adapted to :engage with the :bayonet slots v|81 in the socket |66.

0-ring |90 `is tted within a recess 119| formed in the underside of the .body .member |288 so as to provide a, fluid-tight seal when the bungoperating connector |64 is `connected to the bung |63.

The body member |88 is also provided with .an off -center conduit 9.2 communicating at its .lower 4end with the recess |9=| and adapted screwthreadedly to receive the check-valve l.

The body 4member |88 is provided with .a centra-l axial bore |93 having .aniinwardly protruding annular .shoulder |94 formed adjacent its lower end. and having an annular metal washer 1:95 providing an inwardly protruding stop :adjacent the upper end thereof.

The body member |88 is provided with an external handle |96 'and is externally screwthreaded at its upper end, as at |91, for .adjustable feng-agement with a centrally-apertured :internally-threaded cap |98 having :a handle i953.

An elongated stem 200 having .an axial opening 20| is constructed and arranged :for slideable movement within the central bore 193 of the body member |88-the stem 200 having a cylindrical intermediate portion 202 of .generally the same diameter as the bore |93 and carrying an O-ring .293 at its lower end to provide a moveable fiuid-tght seal-the downward movement of the stem .290 being limited by the shoulder |94, as indicated in Figure 10.

Below the intermediate portion 202, the stem 200 is provided with a somewhat reduced portion 204 which is provided with a scalloped or notched lowermost end 205 which is adapted to nt over the top of the head |86 of the valve-member |80 (with the upper ends of the scallops or notches open, as indicated in Figure l0) and to abut the shoulder |81 so that vdownward movement lof 4the stem 280 will force the valve-.member |80 downward.

The portion 204 of the stem 200 is provided with an outwardly protruding shoulder 210B which is constructed and arranged to contact 'the upper edge of the Gering |11 and to move it downward from the uppermost position shown in Figure 1l to the lowermost position lhown in Figure 1o (wherein it provides a num-tight seal intermediate the stem 200 and the inner bore |12 below the level of the air openings |19 but above the lowermost scalloped end of the portion 204). The stem 209 is provided with another reduced diameter portion 201 above the portion 202 and extending through the apertured cap |93.

The portion 201 is provided with an integrally formed outwardly protruding annular shoulder v208 against which the underside of the cap |99 is adapted to beara washer 209 being mounted on the portion 201 just above the cap |98.

. This type of mounting permits the -cap |98 to rotate about the portion 201 when it is screwed up or down upon the threads |91 of the body member |88.

It is apparent that the shoulder 206 and the washer 209 provide an axial interlock between the cap |98 and the stem 200 so .that rotation of the handle |99 will cause the stem 200 to move up or down relative to the body member |88.

In operation, the bung-operating connect-or |64 is rst connected to the bung |63 (which is in the` closed position shown in Figure l1) by tting the bayonet lugs |39 into the bayonet slots |61 and by rotating the body member |88 -by means of the handle |96.

. Thereafter the handle |99 is turned to move it from the position shown in dash-dot lines` in Figure 10 to the position shown in solid lines s0 as to move the valve-member from the position shown in Fig. 11 to the posi- -,tion shown in Figure 10.

With the valve-member |80 in this last-mentioned position, it is obvious that there is a continuous lair passageway from the check-valve 10 to the upper end of the barrel (via the conduit |92, the opening |15, the upper end of the bore |12 and the airv openings |19) so that air pressure can be exerted upon the beer or other liquid to force it up through the riser-pipe |06, the opening |14, and the lower end of the bore |12, through the upper portions of the scallops 205 and into the axial opening of the stem 200 from which it can pass into the beer deliv- 4ery line as described hereinabove.

When the barrel is empty, the handle |99 is oppositely rotated so as to move the stern 200 upward and to permit the valve-member |80 to return to its uppermost position, under the action of its spring |92, after which the vbung-operatling connector |64 is disconnected by means of the handlel |96.

With the valve-member |80 in uppermost position, as indicated in Figure 11, it is Iapparent that both the air openings |19 and the riserpipe |06 are closed off so that the barrel is fluidtight, in case it is desired to disconnect the coupling member before the barrel is completely empty. In this position, the air openings |19 are in communication with the beer passageway as in the embodiment of Figure 5.

The bung |63 can be removed for cleaning and refilling in a manner similar to that described hereinabove.

' In Figures 12 and 13 there is shown a still further embodiment `of the present invention which includes a bung 2|0 and a bung-operating connector |64a which is generally like the bungoperating connector |64 of Figure l0 except that, in place of the shoulder 206, the portion 204-a of the stem 20G-a is provided with a metal washer ZII and an O-ring 2|2 tted snugly about the portion 204-a directly below the washer 2| The bushing member 2|0 includes a generally -integrally formed body member 2|3 which is ex- |80 ydownward 16 ternally threaded at 2|4 (for connection Within the bung-opening of the barrel) and an uppermost annular Ibeveled shoulder 2|5 adapted to bear against `an O-ring 2|6 disposed within the bung-opening so as to provide a iluid-tight seal.

The body member 2|3 also includes a generally hollow downwardly protruding portion 2|1 having an internally threaded neck 2| at its lower end for attachment to a riser-pipe 39.

The lower end of the hollow portion 2|1 is formed as a irusto-conical surface 2|9 which serves `as a spring support, as will be described hereinbelow.

Above the surface 2|9, the portion 2|1 is provided with a cylindrical bore 220 extending upward for somewhat less than half the axial dimension of said portion 2 1.

A somewhat larger-diameter cylindrical bore 22| extends upward from the bore 220 and is separated therefrom by an inwardly protruding annular shoulder 222.

The portion 2|1 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, generally radially extending air-openings 223 adjacent its upper end and communicating with the bore 22| somewhat below the upper end thereof.

The body member 2|3 is provided with a top socket 224 having bayonet slots 225.

An opening 226 extends axially intermediate the socket 224 and the upper end of the bore 22|-the opening 226 being somewhat larger in diameter than the bore 22| and being separated therefrom by an annular inwardly-protruding shoulder 221 upon which is seated an annular metal washer 229 which is generally L- shaped in cross-section and which is retained in place by a ring 229 set in a groove 230 formed in the -opening 226 just above the top of the washer 228.

Sli-deably mounted within the bore 22| is a valve-member 23| which is centrally apertured as at 232 and which is grooved to receive two O-rings 233 and 234. The O-ring 233 is adapted to' provide a iluid-tight seal intermediate the upper and outer edge of the valve-member 23| and the bore 22|'while the O-ring 234 is adapted to provide a fluid-tight seal intermediate the beveled lower and inner edge 235 of the valvemember 23| and the correspondingly beveled periphery 236v of a moveable valve-seat 231.

A spring 238 is constructed and arranged to tension the valve-seat 231 to the uppermost position shown in Figure 12--the spring 238 including -a continuous circular upper edge 239 tting within a socket 240 formed on the underside oi the valve-seat 231 and also includes a plurality oi circumferentially-distributed downwardly and outwardly extending curved '.ngers 24| which sit against the upper end of the frusta-conical surface 2| 9.

The valve-seat 231 also includes a top, dat, generally circular portion 242 against which the scalloped and lower end 205 of the stem 200-a abuts when the coupling member |64-a is connected to the bushing member 2 0.

The spring 238 normally retains the valve-seat 231 and the valve-member 23| in the uppermost 'position shown in Figure 12 with the O-ring 233 closing oli the a-ir openings 223' and the O-ring 234 closing oif the beer passageway.

When the bung-operating connector |64-a is Iconnected and its stem 200-a is moved downward (in the manner described hereinabove in connection with the embodiment of Figures l0 and 11) the scalloped lower end 205 rst strikes 1.7 the nat portion 2,42 of the valvefseat 231 there.- lnr forcing it downward against, the pressureV of its spring; 2.341` (which is bowed tothe shape shown in Figure 13) thereby unseating the valveemember 231| from the valve-seat '231v and opening the beer passageway.

A short distance farther during the downward movement of the stem ZUB-a5, the Q-.rin 212 strikes they top of the valve-member 23|, and moves it downward until its lower edge seats against the shoulder 222 (in which, DQSitiun the valve-member 23|` is still in unseated. position relative to the valve-seat 231') which moves the O-ring, 2:343- dow-nward beyond the air-openings 223. f

It is apparent that with the valve-seat 23.1 and the. valve-member 23| in the position shown in Figure 13, compressed air can enter the top of the barrel (via the conduit |92, the opening 225, the upper portion of the bore 22| and the airopenings 223) so as to force. the beer upward through theriser-pipe 39 and into the lower part of the downwardly protrudingportion 2|1, from which it passes intermediate the valve-member 23| and the valve-seat 231, through the scallops .1;

or notches 205 and intov the axial opening 20| of the stem 20G-a from which it passes to the beer delivery line as described hereinabove.

When the bung-operating connector |64-.a is

disconnected, the spring 238 first forces the valve-seat 231 against the valve 23| and thereafter moves the valve upward to the position shown in Figure 12 so as to close oii' both the air passageway and the beer passageway.

In Figures 14 and 15 there is shown a somewhat modied form of the closure-and-tappng assembly of Figures 12 and 13. y

The embodiment of Figures 14 -and'15 includes a. bung 243 and a bung-operating connector 244.

The bushing member includes an integrally formed body member or housing 245 which is screw-threaded as at 24B for detachable engagement within the bung-opening and which is provided with an uppermost beveled annular shoulder 241 constructed and arranged to com press an O-ring 248 disposed `within the bungopening so as to provide a fluid-.tight seal.

The body member 245 includes a downwardly protruding portion 249 having an internally threaded reduced-diameter neck 250 at its lower end for engagement with the riser-pipe 39l the uppermost end of which being constructed and arrange-d to protrude somewhat as at 25| beyond the bottom wall 252 formed on the inside of the downwardly protruding portion 249 sc as to provide a centering support for a helical spring to be hereinafter described; I

A cylindrical inner bore A253 is provided within the lower part of the downwardly protruding portion 249 while a cylindrical bore 254 is pron vided in the upperpart thereof-the bore 254 being somewhat larger in diameter than the bore 253 and being spaced therefrom by an upwardlydirected annular shoulder 255 which forms a bottom stop for a valve-member to be hereinafter l,

described.

A plurality of circumferentially-spaced generally radially extending air-openings 25E are formed in the downwardly protruding portion 249 somewhat above the shoulder 255 so as to provide communication between the upper bore 254 and the top of the barrel.

A ring member '251 is mounted within the upper bore 254 generally adjacent the top end thereof-the ring member 251 having an an- 18 nula! beveledcdsc 2.58: 0n its under-Side and beine constructed and arranged tu. provide a. icestop for thex valve-member as will be described below.

A socket 259 is formed at the top,- Of the body member 2,45 in communication withl Jthe upper bore. 254 and is. provided with bayonet slots 261!- A valve-.member 26| is slidcably mounted within the upper bere 254 and is. provided with an outer Q--ring 2.62 (providing a. uuid-tight .Seal between the valve-.member and the hore 254) and an 'inner Q-.ring 263 set within a tapered central opening; 264, cf said valve-member 26|.

A generally cup-shaped valve-seat 265 is mounted within said downwardly-protruding portion 249 below the. valvcfmcmbcr 26|. The valve-scat includes a generally flat, circular iop 286,. a frusta-conical surface 261 and a lowermcst outwardly-protruding annular Shoulder 2:68 which isprovided with a plurality of circumierentially distributed notches 25a-o, on its outer periphery. An annulary groove 258 is formed on the underside ci the Shoulder 26a and is adapted tu receive the upper cud ci a helical Spring 212, the lower smaller end of which is ittcd about the. protruding upper end 25| of the riser-pipe 39 thereby te support and. center the Spr-ius uurmallv to retain both the valveiseat 255 and the valvcfmcifnbcr 26| in the uppermost Position shown in Figure i4. wherein the t0n 26S. of. the va1ve-seat 265 is generally flush with the 'GOP 0f the valvcfmcmbcr 28| and wherein thc trust@- ccilical surface 251 fills the centr-al opening 264 of. the vali/@member 26| with the inner ofring 283 providing, a fluid-'tight seal therebetween- Wbcn the vulve-scat 265 is. moved to iis lowermost position as shown in Figure 15 on a mauner to be more vfully described licreinbelow) the annular shoulder 268 slices within the lower bci-c 2.33.

The bungfoeerating connector 244. includes a body member 21| provided with bayonet lugs 212 at its, lower end for detachable engagement with the bayonet slots 26@ and having Ofriris 213 Sci within a srcovc 214 formed iii the bottom thereof sous to provide a fluidftight seal within the Socket 258- The body member 21| is provided with an clioentr air conduit 215 which communicates with the ,screw-threadedly attached clicclsfvalve 16- The body member 21| also includes a handle 216 to permit it to be attached to and detached from the socket 259.

The body member 21| is centrally apcrtured aneinciudes a iowermost internally threaded portion 211, a relatively short cylindrical bore 218 (so-.axial with the threaded portion 211 and a slightly largerfdiameter bore 219 co-:axial with -thewbore 218 and spaced therefrom by an inclined shoulder 38|).

` rllhe lounge-operating connector 244 also in.- eludes an operating member 28| having a, hanf.- ydie 282 at its upper end and having an elongated stem 233.

The stem 233 is provided with a cylindrical outer surface 284 at its upper end adapted to fit slidabiy within the upper bore 21S-.fan Gering 285 being. mounted Within an annular groove 28B formed at the lower end of the surface 284 so as to provide a iuidetight seal between the stem 283 and the bore 218.

.Below the cylindrical surface 284, the stem 283 is provided with an externally threaded portion 231 providing adjustable engagement with the threaded-'portion 211 of the bod-y member 21|.

19 A washer 288 is tted about the stem 283 below the threaded portion 281 so as to provide an upwardly protruding annular shoulder limiting the upwardmovement of the operating member 28| Arelative to the body member 21|.

The stem 283 is provided with a downwardly protruding annular shoulder 289, on the underside of which is disposed an O-ring 290 which ts snugly about the reduced-diameter'lower end of the stem 283- the lowermost edge of the stem being scalloped r notched as at 292 to provide communication between the outside of the stem and the central axial opening 293 extending through the operating member 28|.

When it is desired to connect the bung-operating connector 244 to the bung 243, the handle 282 is rst turned to move the operating ymember 28| to the uppermost position shown in Figure 14. Thereafter the handle 216 is turned to lock the body member 21| within the socket 259.

The handle 282 is then turned to move the stem 293 downward. This downward movement of the stem 283 rst forces the valve-seat 265 downward and away from the valve-member 26|. Continued ydownward movement of the operating member 20| brings theo-ring 290 into contact with the upper edge of the Valve-member 26| so as to move the valve-member down 'to its lowermost position shown in Figure 15 (the O-ring 290 providing a fluid-tight seal between the stem 283 and the valve-member 26|).

In the position shown in Figure 1'5 (wherein the valve-member 26| is below the level of the air-openings 256), there is direct communication between the check-valve and the inside of the barrel (through the conduit 215, the socket 259, the bore 254 andthe air-openings 256) so that air pressure is exerted upon the top of the beer (or other liquid) thereby forcing it up through the riser-pipe 39, into the lower end of the bore 253, through the notches 26S-a to the upper part of the bore 253, through the opening 264 and the scallops 292 and into the axial opening 293 of the operating member 28| from which it passes to the beer delivery line as described above.

Opposite rotation of the operating handle 282 will permit the valve-seat 265 tobe moved back into contact with the valve-member 26|, after which the helical spring 210 forces both the valveseat and the valve-member upward to the original uppermost closed position shown in Figure 14 wherein the air passageway is closed off by the outer O-ring 262 and the beer passageway is closed off by the inner 0-ring 263. In this position the air openings 256 are, again, in communication with the beer passageway.

In Figures 16 and 17 there is shown a still further embodiment of the present invention wherein the bung-operating connector is shown fragmentarily and may have the general construction of any of the forms shown in Figures 10, 12 and 14-the lowermost end of the stem of its operating member being reduced in diameter as at 294 and having an O-ring 295 for fluid-tight connection with the bung 296 as will be described hereinbelow.

The bung 296 includes a top cover 291 adapted for screw-threaded fluid-tight engagement within the bung opening in a manner similar to that described hereinabove. The top cover 291 is provided with an integrally formed downwardly protruding internally threaded annular flange 291-a. The bung also includes a generally cup-shaped portion 298 having an inner chamber 299 and being screw-threadedly connected, at its bottom,

to the riser-pipe 39. The upper open end of the portion 298 is reduced in diameter and externally threaded as at 298-a for engagement with the ange 291-a.

The top cover 291 is provided with a downwardly protruding neck 300 having a central axial opening 30| communicating with the upper end of the chamber 299.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending air-openings 302 are formed in the flange 291-a.

A valve-member 303 is movably mounted within the chamber 299 and is connected therewithin by a centrally-apertured generally disc-shaped resilient diaphragm 304 of rubber or similar material having its peripheral edge rmly held intermediate the flange 291-a and the uppermost screw-threaded end 298-a.

The valve-member 303 may be integrally formed and includes a central generally cylindrical stem-portion 305 and a flange-portion 306 providing an upwardly directed annular shoulder 301 radially spaced from the stem portion by an' annular groove 308.

The inner periphery of the centrally apertured diaphragm 304 is fastened to the stern portion 305 as at 309 generally in line with the shoulder 301.

A plurality of circumferentially-spaced generally radially extending openings 3| 0 provide communication between the groove 308 and the lowermost cylindrical inner bore 3| l of the stem portion 305 is provided with a somewhat larger diameter bore 3|2 which is separated from the bore 3H by an upwardly directed annular shoulder 3|3, while another annular shoulder 3M is provided at the top of the stem portion 305.

A coil spring 3| 5 bears against the underside of the valve-member 303 and is seated against the bottom `wall of the portion 298 so as horinally to maintain the valve-member in the uppermost position shown in Figure 16, wherein the diaphragm 304 is in generally flat horizontal position providing a fluid-tight seal intermediate the annular shoulder 301 and the ilange portion 306 and a complementary downwardlydirected annular shoulder 30D-a formed on the underside of the neck 300.

When the bung-operating connector is attached, the lowerniost end 294 of the stem is fitted within the upper bore 3|2 of the stem portion 305 (with the O-ring providing a uidtight seal therebetween) after which downward movement of the operating handle forces the valve-member 303 downward (against the pressure of its spring 3|5) to the position shown in Figure 17 wherein the resilient diaphragm 304 assumes a generally concave dished position breaking the seal between the shoulders 301 and 30D-a.

This opens the air passageway via the opening 30|, the upper portion of the chamber 299 and the air openings 302) to permit entry of air under pressure within the upper end of the barrel which in turn forces the beer up through the riser-pipe 39 into the lower portion of the chamber 299, within the groove 308, through the openings 3|0 and into the bore 3|| from which it enters the axial opening of the operating member and from there passes to the beer delivery hose or conduit.

When the bung-operating connector is removed, the spring 3|5 will return the valvemember 303 to its original position as shown drie/ agi here 31:1 fr; "met within me; upg@ pdrfib Seite voor@ alf-wem@ Seite 1:9 b frderi @it Wh met fes-feedI amv-'fiesta @Wt ff so afs to unsea1 the groove A311i?) after vvhioki i0 th tot; ideeen s i'ik'sV the upper eige of :nsf ard moves it foto the upsh ih igure 18' to the lower-l t'ost osi ori show 1rij Figure 1 9, Wh'ereiii lov''i; 'g're'itsirst th aiuiel shoulder 31B ifi-.3 i' d v.'fh"ee'i ri the ir cieA A 's 302 a'lre uxfsiei'. ACoin e sed if is then eel to enter the uppr nd 'of tie beiit etc. fiom tti@ cheek-valve 1 0 sind ti 'af'e is to riov upwa'd ba'ist t'ii ijiv- Iiibe ne into the axiaropenihg'f of the ope'ti iieinb iii tie' manner' deser iiifiratv,iiiqili with the mbodirt ofuligfrsie arid i7.

When` the `barrelv lieeri eifiptied, the oieratirig handle is oppositelj turried so as to 15ermit the valve-menbe to be free to move uilnf iva-17d' by its spring 3| 5 untii its shoulder 307 :Strikes the underside of the valve-disc 3 -16 which is thereafter raisei along with the vaive-meinl beiguutii it reaches' its original position as shown in Figure 18. In Figures 2() and 21 there is shown stili a, further embodiment of the present invention.

The bung-operating coi'mector of this; embodiment may, again, be any one of the forms shown in Figures 1-0, 12 and 14 except that the reduced lower end 322 is provided with a gen"- eraily fiat oircuiar bott'om wail 323 and is pro'- vi'ded tvith one or more openings 324 providing onmuncatio W'ith the iniir axial 'opening 325 of the operting mem'i. A bung 3,25 includes a top cover 291 and a potion 29'8 generally like those of Figure 18, except that the Bore' INT-a i made to extd 'doi somewhat farther' 'and $5" the piston-memoh 

